NEW YORK, March 13 — A luxury travel company has launched an outrageous, year-long travel package worth US$1 million (RM3.2 million) that will offer the successful candidate the opportunity to stay in some of the most luxurious and exclusive properties around the world — for free.

Unlike VeryFirstTo.com’s other offers which cater to a fraction of the population with the means to pony up US$99,300 for a Valentine’s Day dinner and US$38,500 for a Christmas pudding, this latest package is an extravagant, all-expenses-paid trip that includes stays in some of the newest and most exclusive hotels in Buenos Aires, Venice, Las Vegas and the Maldives.

The only catch? It won’t all be frolicking on tropical beaches and champagne-soaked fine dining meals. Not all the time anyway. Because the winning candidate will serve as a researcher for VeryFirstTo’s partner Luxury Travel Intelligence (LTI), providing reviews and updates on the latest innovations and services at the properties.

The researcher will also test different modes of luxury travel, including yachts, jets, and Japan’s Kyushu Seven Stars luxury train.

Though the trip is open to all adults around the world, organisers say the successful applicant needs to be “a very special individual indeed.”

That means being” discreet, discerning, eloquent, sociable,” and having “considerable travel passion, knowledge and experience, and a fine appreciation of food, culture and entertainment.”

“Due to the continuing explosive growth of the luxury travel sector, LTI requires the highest calibre research to ensure that recently opened facilities are delivering to the highest standards,” said Luxury Travel Intelligence founder Michael Crompton.

“We have a duty to our members to check the reality behind the hype. This unique role will ensure that we provide our members with a seasoned travellers’ input.”

Applications are open until the end of April, and the trip starts this summer.

The reception and lobby of the Gritti Palace in Venice.

Here are some of the places the researcher may visit over the year:

Venice: Aman, Gritti Palace

Necker Island

Buenos Aires: Four Seasons

Miami: Metropolitan by Como, Fisher Island Club, Roberto Cavalli Restaurant

Las Vegas: Hakkasan, Fizz

Maldives: Velaa Private Island

Ski resorts include the W Hotel in Verbier, L’Apogée in Courchevel, and The Chedi in Andermatt

For more info, click here. — AFP-Relaxnews 

The Roberto Cavalli restaurant, Cavalli Miami.